Can You Bring Skin Care Products On A Plane?

Pin
Share
Tweet

Last Updated on September 4, 2022

Key Takeaways

  • Skin care products can be packed in checked baggage without restriction
  • If you can squeeze it, smear it, pump it, spread it, spray it, or spill it then your skin care product is considered a liquid by the TSA
  • Liquid skin care products must be in containers 3.4 ounces or less and packed your one quart-size bag
  • Solid skin care products are permitted in carry-on bags without restriction e.g. a bar of soap
  • Medically necessary skin care products are exempt from the 3-1-1 rule

Your skin care routine shouldn’t stop just because you are traveling.

But what’s the procedure for flying with skin care products like facial cleanser, face wash, exfoliator, face oil, moisturizer, sunscreen, toner, eye cream etc…

The TSA Rules For Skin Care Products

The Transportation Security Administration screens luggage before it is taken on to planes to check for prohibited items.

They have a rule that prevents passengers from bringing large amounts of liquids on to planes because liquids are an aviation security risk.

It’s not always intuitive to passengers whether a skin care product is considered a liquid by the TSA.

The actual TSA Liquids rule applies not only to liquids but gels, creams, pastes, and aerosols.

For carry-on luggage, most skin care products are considered liquids by the TSA and must be packed in containers less than or equal to 3.4 oz (100 ml) inside your one quart-sized bag.

Because the liquids rule does not apply to hold luggage you can bring all your skincare essentials in checked luggage.

The downside is that there is always a small risk that your checked bag might be delayed or lost.

For that reason, where possible, I recommend packing skincare products in your carry-on bag in travel-size containers.

Medically Necessary Skincare Products

If your skin care product is medically necessary then the 3.4 ounces limit does not apply.

This applies to prescription skin care products and non-prescription products.

In this scenario you need to tell the TSA agent at the airport security checkpoint that your skin product is “medically necessary” because you have a condition. They will carry-out further screening on the product to determine that it is safe to be brought on to the plane.

Where possible it’s still better to bring the product in a container smaller than 3.4 oz because the additional screening will mean it takes you longer to get through airport security.

Did This Page Help You?

YES
NO

You Might Also Like